KUCHING: Childcare centres and kindergartens have been urged to ensure a pleasant experience for children sent to their institutions for the first time.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the separation anxiety experienced by the first-timers must be taken into account.
“I understand that there are centres that only allow parents to drop off and pick up the kids on the first day.
“We must have our doors open for a day or two, not necessarily a full day, for parents to get their children acquainted with the new environment, teachers and friends,” she said in a video message shared through WhatsApp on Friday (Jan 7).
She pointed out that emotionally and mentally, the children, especially the first-timers, were not ready for the abrupt separation and this might have an impact on their wellbeing.
“Some of the children on the other hand can manage well and can be independent but there are those who are not.
“So let us hold hands in providing a pleasant first-day experience to our children.”
Fatimah added that parents should also make familiarisation visits prior to their children’s first day of school.
“Also, to all teachers, love and educate the children who have been entrusted to us as best as possible.
“And to all parents, let us form a strong team because our togetherness is important to provide a solid foundation for the physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual development of our children.
“This is so that they will become quality human capital when they grow up, serving their parents, the people and country.”
On another note, she said that effective Jan 3, all childcare centres and kindergartens in the state were allowed to operate under Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
She also reminded childcare centres and kindergarten operators to comply with the set SOPs for the safety of all teachers, babysitters, children, including their parents.
